The Word Gives Peace

July 31, 2022 Background Scripture: John 14:15 31 Lesson Passage: John 14:15 - 29 It is likely that the Background Scripture contains the final words Jesus spoke to his disciples prior to leaving the room where they had observed the Passover Meal and Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. This part of their discourse revolved around Jesus' statement: "If you love me, keep my commandments." Many promises of Jesus hang on that statement. Our understanding of the words "love" and "keep" is essential to understanding the promises, The word Jesus used that is translated "love" does not begin with a person's feelings or sense of physical attraction. The word Jesus used refers to an act of a person's will. It is a determination to find one's contentment in another. The relationship need not begin with being contented, but the decision is made to become and remain contented. This word describes God's love towards mankind and our love towards God. The second word that is important is the word "keep". This word denotes clinging to and remaining committed to. In essence, Jesus told them to make a commitment to hold on to his teachings and observe them based on their personal decision to be content in their relationship with him. By them doing so, Jesus assured them he would never abandon them. After his physical departure, Jesus would manifest himself to his disciples. He would make his presence known to them even though unbelievers (the world) would not be aware of his presence. They would always experience Jesus' presence with them. No matter what they went through or experienced, they would know that Jesus was there with them. This should cause them to reflect on how David described God's continuous presence: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me;" Jesus' statement should have comforted his disciples as they reflected on the many miracles Jesus performed during the previous three years. Jesus rebuked storms for them. Jesus made provisions for them whenever it was needed. Because of Jesus' power, they were fearless whenever Jesus was around. This promise should have given them an ongoing sense of peace. This peace was not just an absence of conflict, but rather the internal sense of well-being and wholeness despite circumstances. Jesus promised them that this would continue without end. It was customary for Jews to use the word peace (shalom) as a parting salutation. Jesus used the word peace as an expression of physical parting from his disciples, but here he coupled it with the assurance of his continuous presence that would provide an ongoing peace. Jesus had spoken to them about his own sense of well-being that was based on the continuous presence of his Father with him. In verse 16, Jesus alluded to the triune character of God in saying that he would pray to the Father, Who would in turn give the disciples another Comforter, the Spirit of truth. Why was this dialog important? There were some difficult days ahead for his disciples. They needed the peace that only God gives to weather the storms of life that were headed their way. Jesus was assuring them that they would have what they needed before the storms arrived. All of this hung on the statement, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Jesus was not telling them to obediently follow some list of "thou shall" and "thou shall not". Jesus' commandments were his guidance and teachings he provided them during the previous three years. Jesus admonished them to remain committed in their personal relationship with him by following his teachings. By doing so, his presence would be with them and the Word would give them peace. Robert C. Hudson July 15, 2022